US Bridges

FM 503 over Colorado River

Fair

Coleman County, Texas · 0.0 MI N of Mculloch C/L · Structure no. 230420086901025

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
730 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
148
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

FM 503 over Colorado River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying FM 503 over Colorado River in Coleman County, Texas. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, older than the Texas average of 44.4 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 148 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 110 by 2033. The structure is 730 ft (222.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFM 503
CrossesColorado River
Location0.0 MI N of Mculloch C/L
RouteState Highway 503
CountyColeman County
StateTexas
Coordinates31.49364, -99.57429
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40 US tons
Inventory rating24 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length730 ft (222.5 m)
Longest span130 ft (39.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic148 (2020)
Projected traffic110 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusPossibly eligible for the National Register; requires further investigation
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was FM 503 over Colorado River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is FM 503 over Colorado River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does FM 503 over Colorado River carry?

About 148 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is FM 503 over Colorado River?

The structure is 730 ft (222.5 m) long with a longest span of 130 ft (39.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns FM 503 over Colorado River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.